Representation Matters: Explore Careers in Talent Management & Development Recap
Hey everyone! It’s Matt Hadzibrahimi, an Event Intern at Center for Communication! Hope you made it to the “Representation Matters: Explore Careers in Talent Management & Development” panel at the NYU Production Lab this past May 1st, but if you were not able to catch it in-person here are some great points mentioned by our great panelists, including Sharon Chang, Partner and Agent, Non-Scripted Television Department and Broadcast Group at WME; Teddy Petrocci, Digital Talent Agent at UTA; Traci Wilkes Smith, Senior Vice President, Talent Representation at CSE; and moderator Mary Noonan, Talent Agent, News & Broadcasting at UTA. Our speakers provided valuable information and thoughtful insights to the students and other job seekers who attended. Check out my recap of highlights below and watch video of the FULL panel on Facebook or Instagram!
Sharon Chang: A passion for inclusion
Sharon shared an outlook on nonfiction media, drawing from her diverse career spanning CBS Sports to talent representation for sports and news broadcast talent. Emphasizing strategic negotiations, she highlighted the roles of the Head of Talent and BA attorney, crucial for long-form agreements in sports broadcasting. A key lesson was to avoid oversaturating talent rosters, especially in limited-market scenarios.
Sharon's passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) resonated strongly. She highlighted the significance of an agent's genuine care and passion for both their clients and the industry.
Teddy Petrocci: Don’t “agent” too hard.
With experience spanning from the mailroom at WME to scouting talent across Instagram and TikTok, Teddy emphasized the gradual path to becoming an agent, often starting as an assistant before working your way up. He stressed the importance of outreach, especially in securing pre-negotiated brand deals, which constitute a significant portion of his work.
Teddy advised against “agenting” too hard by balancing professionalism with informal interactions, such as lunch meetings, in order to build authentic relationships in the entertainment industry. He highlighted the importance of being an assistant as a solid foundation for building these relationships.
His insights shed light on the evolving environment of talent representation, particularly in the realm of digital media.
Traci Wilkes Smith: Evolve with the times.
Traci shared insights on managing personalities and journalists in niche markets. Her journey from law school to a boutique agency showcased her adaptability, emphasizing communication for successful client relationships amid industry shifts.
Traci's involvement with high-profile events like the White House Correspondents' Dinner reflected her strategic approach to talent representation. Her advice to stay informed through diverse sources like newsletters and industry publications highlighted the need for a broad understanding of the media landscape.
Mary Noonan: Your job is to get someone else a job.
Mary Noonan brought a wealth of experience to the panel. Her role in connecting talent with opportunities underscored the collaborative nature of the industry. Mary's emphasis on elevating others' careers encapsulated the spirit of mentorship and support vital for success in media.
Our panelists provided invaluable insights on strategic negotiations, digital media trends, inclusivity, and adapting to industry changes. Their expertise and engaging discussions helped prepare attendees to explore the many fields of the media world.
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